Advanced Business Planning with Julia ShanksFebruary 25, 2018Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
30 Federal Street, Brunswick, Maine
$100 per person; $135 for two people coming from the same farm.

This full-day workshop is designed to help established and beginning farmers understand the financials of their business and learn how to make informed decisions to increase profits. It is best suited for those with at least one year of farming or similar experience. The goals of the workshop are to plan for profit, examine YOUR farm enterprises, better understand financial statements and learn about recordkeeping.

5 ways to help your community go localYes! - 2/4/2011.By Jeff Milchen – For four consecutive years, Stacy Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) has undertaken a unique research project, surveying thousands of independent businesses across the United States about their holiday season sales figures. The results of ILSR’s latest survey offered encouraging news for entrepreneurs battered by the recession and for organizations working to sustain vital communities.

Environmentalists vow to take on LePageKennebec Journal - 2/4/2011.By Beth Quimby – Augusta: Maine environmental groups say that fighting Gov. Paul LePage's proposed repeal of environmental regulations is their priority for this legislative session. The Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition, which represents 25 groups supported by about 100,000 members, vowed Thursday to fight any weakening of the state's environmental protections and came out in support of four measures, including several that the LePage administration opposes.

Augusta Civic Center. MOFGA offers free presentations and discussions, open to the public, on sustainable agriculture. Schedule here. No pre-registration required. MOFGA also has an information exhibit all three days of the show. Staff and committee members are available to answer questions about our ongoing programs. MOFGA members are encouraged to attend the association's annual meeting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 9.

4 sessions, Jan. 16 to Feb 6. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Smith's Smokehouse, Monroe, Maine. Join Andy Smith of Smith's Smokehouse and delve into the basics of charcuterie through a series of four workshops. Learn how to create your own charcuterie goods, and potential business, and then dig deep into a variety of curing processes including bacon, bresaola, beef jerky and more! Don't forget to register for this course, we only have 10 spots available. The complete series is $350 for MOFGA members and $400 for non-members. Each session will take place at Smith's Smokehouse; bring your own lunch. If you have any questions, email Anna Mueller at events@mofga.org. Details and registration.

(Snow date: Feb. 12) Belfast, Maine. Maine Farm to Institution (MEFTI) and the Maine Farm to School Network (MFSN) and their many partners are pleased to announce the first Maine Farm to Institution Summit. Registration and information: https://www.mainefarmtoinstitution.org/about-the-summit/

Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., hosted by Coastal Enterprises Inc., 30 Federal St., Brunswick, Maine. Full-day workshop designed to help established and beginning farmers understand the financials of their business and learn how to make informed decisions to increase profits. Instructor Julia Shanks is the author of "The Farmer's Office: Tools, Tips and Templates to Successfully Manage a Growing Farm Business." $100 per person; $135 for two people coming from the same farm. Scholarships available. Information and registration.